Choosing the Best Summer Camp

Summer is an exciting time for young children. It is a chance to explore new places, try new activities, and build friendships that can last long after the season ends. For many families, choosing a summer camp is one of the most important decisions of the year. The right summer camp will help your children grow socially, emotionally, and creatively, while still giving them plenty of time for fun and play.

If you are beginning your search, you may also be wondering what sets one summer camp apart from another. Summer Camp at KLA Schools is one example of a program designed especially for young learners. With a balance of outdoor experiences, hands-on projects, and nurturing guidance from trained educators, our Summer Camp aims to be a place where children feel comfortable, confident, and curious every day. As you explore the options available, here are the most important factors to consider when choosing the right summer camp for your child.

1. Start With Your Child’s Personality, Interests, and Comfort Level

Every child is unique. Some love running, climbing, digging, and exploring outside from sunrise to sunset. Others prefer creative activities like painting, building, or singing with friends. Many children enjoy a mix of both. When evaluating summer camps, think about the type of environment where your child thrives.

Ask yourself questions such as:
Do they enjoy structured group activities, or are they happiest with open-ended play?
Are they comfortable meeting new children, or do they need a smaller, quieter group?
What kinds of activities make them feel excited and confident?
How do they respond to new environments or transitions throughout the day?

A summer camp should support your child’s natural personality, not push them into experiences they are not ready for. At KLA Schools Summer Camp, programs are intentionally designed for children who need a balance of structure and flexibility. Children can explore at their own pace while receiving guidance and encouragement from caring teachers.

2. Look for a Summer Camp with a Meaningful, Child-Centered Philosophy

A summer camp is more than a set of activities. Its philosophy influences how staff interact with children and how learning takes place throughout the day. A good summer camp embraces values that promote:

A sense of belonging and community: Children feel welcomed, included, and connected to their peers and teachers.
Kindness and respect between children: Young campers learn to treat others with care, understanding, and fairness.
Curiosity and exploration: The summer camp encourages children to ask questions, investigate, and discover new interests.
Independence and confidence: Children are supported as they try new things and build trust in their own abilities.
Social and emotional development: Children learn how to manage feelings, build friendships, and engage positively with others in a supportive environment.

Before enrolling, take time to learn about the summer camp’s approach. Ask how teachers guide play, how they encourage collaboration, and what a typical day looks like.

Our Summer Camp embraces a Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy that values hands-on experiences and child-led exploration. Educators act as partners in learning, encouraging children to ask questions, share ideas, and discover new interests in a supportive environment.

3. Prioritize Safety, Staff Qualifications, and Health Practices

Nothing matters more than your child’s safety. When researching summer camps, it is essential to understand what steps they take to protect children physically and emotionally. Consider asking:

Are staff members background-checked and trained in early childhood education?
Are caregivers certified in first aid and CPR?
How are children supervised during transitions, outdoor play, and group activities?
What protocols are in place for emergencies or medical concerns?
How are toys, materials, and surfaces cleaned and sanitized?

Parents should also consider health and hygiene practices, especially for children who play closely together.

Families choosing Summer Camp at KLA Schools can feel confident knowing that every staff member completes a thorough screening before joining the team. Classrooms and play areas are cleaned regularly, and structured handwashing routines help maintain a healthy environment throughout the day. These daily practices work together to create a safe, consistent, and reassuring setting where children are well cared for and supported.

4. Explore the Summer Camp’s Activity Options and Daily Schedule

Summer camp should be engaging, joyful, and varied. When reviewing programs, look for a summer camp that offers activities suited to young children and aligns with your goals for their summer. Some summer camps focus primarily on outdoor adventure, while others offer arts, sports, dance, or early academic enrichment.

Ask whether the activities offered match your child’s interests. Also consider whether the schedule is balanced with time for rest, play, and social interaction.

Children enrolled in our Summer Camp are introduced to a variety of hands-on activities, including STEAM projects, simple science explorations, nature observation, sports, and creative art experiences. These activities help build motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and imagination, all while keeping children active and excited throughout the day.

5. Understand the Summer Camp’s Values and How They Support Child Development

Beyond day-to-day activities, it is essential to know what skills and qualities the summer camp aims to nurture in children. Summer camps should help children grow socially, build confidence, and learn how to make and maintain friendships.

A quality summer camp will encourage values such as:

Teamwork: Children learn how to collaborate, share ideas, and work together toward a common goal.
Self-expression: Summer camp encourages children to express their thoughts, creativity, and feelings confidently.
Empathy and tolerance: Children practice understanding others’ perspectives and appreciating differences.
Resilience and problem-solving: Children learn how to handle challenges, adapt, and find solutions independently or with guidance.
Positive communication: Summer camp helps children use kind words, listen actively, and communicate their needs in healthy ways.

These values are woven naturally into daily play at our Summer Camp, where children collaborate, exchange ideas, and overcome challenges with guidance in a supportive and welcoming setting.

6. Review Policies That Affect Your Child’s Experience

Policies may not be the most exciting part of choosing a summer camp, but they play a significant role in ensuring it runs smoothly. Ask about:

The discipline policy and how conflicts are handled
Meal and snack routines, especially for children with allergies
Nap or rest times for younger campers
Medical supervision and medication procedures
Additional fees, supplies, or special-activity costs
Communication practices between staff and families

Nutritious, allergy-friendly snacks and meals are provided at our Summer Camp, with frequent hydration breaks built into the routine. Families can expect consistent communication from staff, keeping them updated on their child’s activities and development.

7. Check Whether the Summer Camp Fits Your Family’s Schedule

Even the best summer camp is not a perfect fit if the logistics do not work for your family. Think about your summer schedule, work hours, and vacations. Make sure drop-off and pick-up times align with your daily routine. If you need flexibility, look for a summer camp that offers options.

Flexible scheduling is available at our Summer Camp, with full-day and part-day choices designed to accommodate the needs of school-aged children and their families. Parents can select the option that works best with their summer routines.

Summer Camp Selection Checklist

What training or qualifications do staff have, especially related to early childhood education?
What is the summer camp’s core educational philosophy?
Is there a balance between outdoor play and indoor exploration?
What does a typical day look like?
Is the summer camp environment clean, safe, and well-maintained?
What safety and emergency procedures are in place?
Does the summer camp meet all required state regulations?
How are children supervised throughout the day, indoors and outdoors?
What policies are in place for discipline, meals, allergies, and medical supervision?
How does the summer camp communicate with parents?
Can families tour the summer camp before enrolling?
Do the summer camp’s hours and schedule work for your family?

Creating a Meaningful Summer Experience

Selecting a children's summer camp is about more than keeping children busy. It is about finding a place where your child feels joyful, valued, and inspired every day. The right summer camp can help your children build confidence, develop new friendships, and discover the world in exciting and meaningful ways.

Summer Camp at KLA Schools offers a warm, nurturing environment where children can grow through exploration, creativity, and outdoor play. With dedicated teachers, thoughtful programming, and a strong commitment to safety and child development, families can feel confident that their child will have a memorable and enriching summer experience.

Insights